U.S. patent number 10,503,211 [Application Number 14/852,592] was granted by the patent office on 2019-12-10 for multi-orientation display device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Intel Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Intel Corporation. Invention is credited to David W. Browning, Bok Eng Cheah, Jackson Chung Peng Kong, Min Suet Lim, Howe Yin Loo, Poh Tat Oh, Chee Chun Yee.
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United States Patent |
10,503,211 |
Yee , et al. |
December 10, 2019 |
Multi-orientation display device
Abstract
A computing device includes a flexible display screen, a housing
to house at least one processor device and at least one memory
element, and a first wing to support a side portion of the display
screen. The front face of the housing includes a center portion of
the display screen. The first wing is connected to the housing by a
hinge, the first wing configured to swivel about an axis defined by
the hinge. The hinge is configured to lock the first wing in at
least two wing positions, a first of the wing positions supports
the side portion of the display screen in a first orientation, a
second of the wing positions supports the side portion of the
display screen in a second orientation, and the side portion of the
display screen is active in the first orientation and hidden in the
second orientation.
Inventors: |
Yee; Chee Chun (Bayan Lepas,
MY), Browning; David W. (Portland, OR), Cheah; Bok
Eng (Penang, MY), Kong; Jackson Chung Peng
(Tanjung Tokong, MY), Lim; Min Suet (Penang,
MY), Loo; Howe Yin (Penang, MY), Oh; Poh
Tat (Bayan Lepas, MY) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Intel Corporation |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Intel Corporation (Santa Clara,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
58240407 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/852,592 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170075388 A1 |
Mar 16, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1675 (20130101); G06F 1/1641 (20130101); G06F
3/041 (20130101); G06F 1/1643 (20130101); G06F
1/1626 (20130101); G06F 1/1652 (20130101); G06F
2203/04102 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H05K
5/00 (20060101); G06F 3/041 (20060101); H05K
7/00 (20060101); G06F 1/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;361/679.24 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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30-0757696 |
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Jun 2015 |
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KR |
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20150060278 |
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Jun 2015 |
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KR |
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2017044246 |
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Mar 2017 |
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WO |
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Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion in International
Application No. PCT/US2016/046654 dated Nov. 17, 2016. cited by
applicant .
International Preliminary Report on Patentability in International
Application No. PCT/US2016/046654, dated Mar. 22, 2018, 13 pages.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Wu; Jerry
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Patent Capital Group
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An apparatus comprising: a foldable frame to support a flexible
display screen of the computing device, wherein the frame
comprises: a housing to enclose one or more processor devices,
wherein a center portion of the flexible display screen is to be
supported by a front face of the housing; a first wing extending
from a first side of the housing and connected to the housing by a
first hinge, wherein a first side portion of the flexible display
screen is supported by the first wing; a second wing extending from
a second side of the housing and connected to the housing by a
second hinge, wherein a second side portion of the flexible display
screen is supported by the second wing; wherein the first wing is
operable to swivel about a first axis defined by the first hinge
and the second wing is operable to swivel about a second axis
defined by the second hinge, the first wing and second wing support
the flexible display screen in a first orientation when positioned
parallel with the front face of the housing to form a plane bounded
by an outside edge of the first wing and an outside edge of the
second wing, and the first wing and the second wing are folded to
each other and adjacent to the a rear face of the housing to
support the flexible display screen in a second orientation, and
wherein at least one of the first and second hinge comprises a
movable, spring-loaded joint which connects two linked objects and
keep a tooth engaged in a notch to maintain the hinge in a lock
position; and a button to bias at least one spring and cause the
tooth to descend below the notch to unlock the hinge.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first orientation defines
a first display surface area and the second orientation defines a
smaller, second display surface area.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first display surface area
comprises the center, first side, and second side portions of the
flexible display screen, and at least the first side portion of the
flexible display screen is excluded from the second display surface
area.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second wing is folded
adjacent to the first wing behind the front surface of the housing
in the second orientation, wherein the second side portion of the
flexible display screen is also excluded from the second display
surface area.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first side portion of the
flexible display screen is to be reenabled by the controller when
returned to the first orientation from the second orientation.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second wing extends from
the housing to form a plane with the front face of the housing in
the first orientation, and the second wing is folded adjacent to
the first wing behind the front surface of the housing in the
second orientation, wherein the first wing is folded adjacent to
the a rear face of the housing and the second wing is folded
adjacent to the first wing behind the front surface of the housing
to support the flexible display screen in a third orientation, the
third orientation defines a third display surface area, wherein
both the first and second side portions of the display are excluded
from the third display surface area.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first display surface area
corresponds to a graphical display representation of a tablet
computer and the second display surface area corresponds to a
graphical display representation of a smartphone.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the flexible
display screen.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors
to identify whether the first and second wings are positioned to
define the first orientation or the second orientation.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a graphical user interface to
be presented on the flexible display screen is to be adapted based
on whether the first orientation or the second orientation is
sensed by the one or more sensors.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
wings comprise: a lateral frame support to attach to a
corresponding outside edge of the display screen; one or more
tracks, wherein the lateral frame support is connected to the one
or more tracks, and the one or more tracks enable lateral sliding
of the lateral frame support within the wing.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more tracks
comprise an upper edge track, a lower edge track, at least one
center track.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
hinges comprise lockable hinges to lock the corresponding wing in
at least the first and second orientations.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second
hinges are at least partially enclosed within the housing.
15. A computing device comprising: at least one processor device;
at least one memory element; a flexible display screen; a housing
to house the at least one processor device and the at least one
memory element, wherein a front face of the housing comprises a
center portion of the flexible display screen; and, a first wing to
support a side portion of the flexible display screen, wherein the
first wing is connected to the housing by a hinge, the first wing
is configured to swivel about an axis defined by the hinge, the
hinge is configured to lock the first wing in at least two wing
positions, a first of the wing positions supports the side portion
of the flexible display screen in a first orientation, a second of
the wing positions supports the side portion of the flexible
display screen in a second orientation, and the side portion of the
flexible display screen is active in the first orientation and
hidden in the second orientation; wherein, the hinge of the first
wing comprises a movable, spring-loaded joint which connects two
linked objects and keep a tooth engaged in a notch to maintain the
hinge in a lock position; and a button to bias at least one spring
and cause the tooth to descend below the notch to unlock the
hinge.
16. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the side portion of
the flexible display screen comprises a first side portion and the
computing device further comprises at least one second wing to
support at least one second side portion of the flexible display
screen.
17. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the flexible display
screen comprises a touchscreen.
18. An apparatus comprising: a display screen device comprising: a
flexible display screen and a foldable frame operable to fold the
flexible display screen into at least two orientations, wherein a
first of the at least two orientations defines a first active
display screen area, a second of the at least two orientations
defines a second, smaller active display screen area, a center
portion of the flexible display screen remains active in each of
the first and second active display screen areas, and at least one
side portion of the flexible display screen is disabled in the
second orientation; and, a first wing to support a side portion of
the flexible display screen, wherein the first wing is connected to
a housing by a hinge, the first wing is configured to swivel about
an axis defined by the hinge, the hinge is configured to lock the
first wing in at least two wing positions, a first of the wing
positions supports the side portion of the flexible display screen
in the first orientation, a second of the wing positions supports
the side portion of the flexible display screen in the second
orientation, and the side portion of the flexible display screen is
active in the first orientation and hidden in the second
orientation; wherein, the foldable frame comprises a movable,
spring-loaded joint which connects two linked objects and keep a
tooth engaged in a notch to maintain the hinge in a lock position;
and a button to bias at least one spring and cause the tooth to
descend blow the notch to unlock the hinge.
19. A method for providing a dynamic multi-mode display device
coupled to a handheld, mobile communication device, the method
comprising: providing the handheld, mobile communication device,
the handheld, mobile communication device having a center display;
disposing a processor into the handheld, mobile communication
device; integrating a foldable frame to support two peripheral
display screens, the two peripheral display screens juxtaposed to
the center display of the handheld, mobile communication device,
wherein the foldable frame is configured to: transform from a first
mode resembling a mobile device to second mode resembling a tablet
device, the transformation comprising unfolding the two peripheral
displays screen from a stored position for the first mode to the
tablet mode for the second mode; and, unlocking the two peripheral
displays screen by a button to bias at least one spring and cause a
tooth to descend below the notch to unlock a hinge.
Description
BACKGROUND
Smart phones, tablet computers, wearables, and other mobile
computing devices have become very popular, even supplanting
larger, more general purpose computing devices, such as traditional
desktop computers in recent years. Increasingly, tasks
traditionally performed on a general purpose computer are performed
using mobile computing devices with smaller form factors and more
constrained features sets and operating systems. Mobile computing
devices include handheld computing devices that communicate over
high speed wireless networks. Such mobile computing devices include
smartphones, personal digital assistants, and media players with
varying form factors. Larger mobile computing devices, such as
tablet computers, are also available, offering larger display
screens, memory, and battery life in some cases. Intermediate-size
devices are also being offered, including large form factor
smartphones affectionately known as "phablets" for falling between
smartphones and tablet computers in size.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a computing device with a
foldable display screen in a first orientation in accordance with
at least one embodiment.
FIG. 1B illustrates the example computing device of FIG. 1A with
the foldable display screen in a second orientation in accordance
with at least one embodiment.
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate perspective views of the example computing
device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3 illustrates multiple views of one embodiment of a computing
device with a foldable display screen in accordance with at least
one embodiment.
FIG. 4A illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a computing
device with a foldable display screen in a first orientation.
FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a computing
device with a foldable display screen in a second orientation.
FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a computing
device with a foldable display screen in an full screen
orientation.
FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a computing
device with the foldable display screen positioned between two
defined orientations.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example wing frame support member in
accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the example wing frame support
member illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a locking hinge for use in a foldable
display assembly.
FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate views of an example wing frame support
member in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate views of an example wing frame support
member in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an example computing system
that can employ a foldable display screen.
FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of another example computing
system that can employ a foldable display screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The embodiments are generally directed to computing devices with a
scalable display panel that allows for multiple display
orientations and corresponding display dimensions. In some
implementations, the scalable display panel can be implemented
through a hinged, foldable display panel supporting a flexible
display screen, such as for a smartphone, tablet, and/or docking
convertible.
With the advent of mobile devices, a single user or household may
own and use multiple different devices, including conventional
desktop or laptop computers and various handheld or wearable
devices, such as smartphones, personal digital assistants, tablet
computers, netbooks, smart displays, smart watches, etc. These
multiple devices, as they evolve, have increasingly overlapping
feature sets, resulting in some redundancy between devices. Mobile
devices have matured from being limited-use or single-use devices
to being multipurpose general purpose computers supporting
operating systems and applications that rival those found in
higher-powered conventional desktop or laptop computers. Possessing
multiple different devices not only multiple expenses (toward
acquisition and maintenance), but can also involve multiple user
learning curves, purchasing of multiple versions of the same
applications, among other costs. Accordingly, some users seek a
"one device" solution that allows them to minimize the number of
devices that they use on a daily basis.
Given the increasing overlap between feature sets of some mobile
devices, in some respects, the principal difference between these
devices is the respective form factor adopted in each. For
instance, a smartphone, tablet, and laptop may each allow a user to
view and edit the same spreadsheet file, view the same video file,
play the same gaming application, capture audio, photos, or video,
and send the same electronic text, video, and/or telephony
messages, among other features. However, the form factor and
display device attributes (e.g., dimensions and aspect ratio) may
make the use of one device preferable over another for some
features while the other device is preferable for other features.
Accordingly, a device can be provided that addresses these and
other example issues, such as devices adopting one or more of the
features described herein.
In the embodiments discussed below, one or more elements may be
included. An element may comprise any structure arranged to perform
certain operations. Each element may be implemented as hardware,
software, or any combination thereof, as desired for a given set of
design parameters or performance constraints. Although embodiments
may be described with particular elements in certain arrangements
by way of example, embodiments may include other combinations of
elements in alternate arrangements.
It is worthy to note that any reference to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases
"in one embodiment" and "in an embodiment" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate views 100a,b of an example implementation of
a computing device with a foldable display device that provides
multiple potential viewing orientations. Each of the supported
orientations may be a one of a set of predefined orientations each
with a different physical dimension. The display may be a flexible
display screen, such as a flexible display such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting
diode (OLED), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED),
or other display utilizing another display technology.
In one implementation, such as that shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the
computing device 105 may be a convertible handheld device that
integrates a foldable display device 110 to permit the handheld
device to convert between a handheld smartphone form factor with
the display 110 in a first, folded orientation (as shown in FIG.
1A) and a larger tablet-style form factor with the display 110 in a
second, unfolded orientation (as shown in FIG. 1B). FIGS. 2A and 2B
show perspective views of the display device in the first and
second orientations respectively. The entire available area of the
flexible screen may be usable within the second, unfolded
orientation, with the flexible screen portions forming a planer
surface. In the folded orientation, one or more portions of the
screen can be folded back behind the front face of the device,
hiding these portions of the screen from view. The portion of the
screen that remains forward facing (i.e., on the face of the
device) may remain operational, while the folded back portions of
the display device 110 are disabled. Disabling the hidden or folded
back portions of the flexible screen can involve displaying black
screen on the hidden portions, turning off the hidden portions, or
otherwise causing no graphical information to be presented on the
hidden portions while graphical user interfaces are provided on the
active, unhidden portions of the screen (as shown in FIG. 1A).
Sensors can be provided on the computing device 105 to identify
whether portions of the display device screen have been folded back
and can cause graphic display processors and logic on the display
to adjust the presentation on the display (and/or disable hidden
portions of the display). In some cases, display orientation
management can be further handled by the operating system of the
computing device 105. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate that two versions
of the same graphical user interface can be presented on each of
the orientations provided on the convertible, foldable display
device 110. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1A, a first version of a
graphical user interface is shown according to a first aspect ratio
usable in a folded screen orientation. FIG. 1B shows a second
version of the graphical user interface adjusted to a second aspect
ratio corresponding to the second, full-screen orientation
available on the foldable display device 110. In some cases, one of
the several orientations provided by a foldable display device 110
may be most desirable for some graphical user interfaces,
activities, applications, and uses of the computing device, while
other orientations may be more desirable for other graphical user
interfaces, activities, applications, and uses of the computing
device. For instance, it may be preferable to use a first, smaller
(i.e., folded) orientation when using a SMS texting application and
another, larger (i.e., at least partially unfolded) orientation is
preferable for another application's GUI, such as a video player
application, among many other examples. In still other examples,
use of a particular feature or application may be conditioned on
the display device being in a particular one of the orientations of
the display device. For instance, when a user attempts to open a
particular application or file, the application (and/or supporting
display device logic) may cause instructions to be presented to the
user (on the display device) prompting the user to place the
foldable display device in a preferred one of the available
orientations. For instance, one or more optimum display
orientations can be identified for the application or file and the
application (or display logic) can identify which orientation the
display device is currently functioning in. If the current display
orientation is not one of the identified optimum orientations, a
prompt can be presented to the user to encourage or require the
user to readjust the foldable display device to place the display
device in one of the optimized orientations before proceeding with
use or opening of the application or file, among other examples and
features.
FIG. 3 illustrates multiple views 300a-f of an example
implementation of a handheld computing device that includes an
implementation of a foldable display device. Specifically, FIG. 3
shows front 300a, back 300b, top 300c, bottom 300d, left 300e, and
right 300f views of the computing device while the device's display
is in a folded orientation. The back, or rear, view 300b shows a
portion of the foldable display that has been folded to wrap around
the rear side of the device and hide the display from use. The
portion of the display adjacent to the rear face of the device may
be disabled, while the portion of the display that is
forward-facing (e.g., oriented at least partially to present to a
user viewing the front face of the computing device) is enabled and
used to present a graphical user interface.
FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view 400a of an example
implementation of a computing device 105 with a scalable display
screen 110. In the view of FIG. 4A, the display screen is in a
folded orientation. FIG. 4B illustrates another view 400b of the
same embodiment of the computing device 105 and display screen 110,
this time in an extended, unfolded, or full-size orientation. As
shown more clearly in the illustration of FIG. 4B showing the
screen in its unfolded orientation, the device can be provided with
one or more wings that support the screen and swing from the open
position (shown in FIG. 4B) to a closed or folded position (shown
in FIG. 4A). To facilitate the foldable support of the screen
(e.g., by wing supports 405, 410), the supports can be constructed
to enable the sliding of the screen within the support. This
sliding can be the byproduct of the screen wrapping around the
outer edge 415 of the housing 420 of the computing device. When in
an open or unfolded orientation, the screen may span the combined
length 1 of the wings 405, 410 and housing 420. However, when
folded, a portion of the length 1 of the screen wraps around the
edge of 415 of the base. In implementations where the flexible
display lacks elasticity, the edge of the screen cannot remain at
the edge (e.g., 425, 430) of the support wings (e.g., 405, 410)
when it is folded around the device (e.g., into a closed or folded
orientation). Accordingly, the support wings 405, 410 can allow the
screen to retract away from the edges 425, 430 of the support wings
405, 410 all while still providing structural support for the
flexible screen.
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate track supports (e.g., 435a-f, collectively
"435") that can be utilized in some implementations to facilitate
shifting of a flexible display within a support frame provided for
the display. The tracks can provide knobs (e.g., 440a-f,
collectively "440") that are fixedly attached to the rear side of
the screen and slide within the tracks 435. In one example, such as
shown in FIG. 4A, the knobs 440 can be implemented on an edge frame
piece 445 that is secured to the outer lateral edges of the display
screen. As shown in FIG. 4B, the knobs 440 extend to near the
outside end of each their respective tracks 435 when the wings and
screen are in an open orientation, and the knobs 440 slide to near
the other end of the tracks when the screen is in a closed
orientation. Further, upper and lower tracks 460, 465 can also be
provided on each wing to secure the top and bottom edge of the
screen within the frame but still allowing the sliding of the
screen within the frame as the screen transitions between
orientations (e.g., folded and unfolded).
FIGS. 5A-5B show top views 500a,b of the embodiment introduced in
FIGS. 4A-4B. FIG. 5A shows the top view of the device when in an
opened position and FIG. 5B shows the top view of the same device
in a partially folded position. As is illustrated in these views
500a,b, edge frame pieces 445, 450 are secured to the flexible
screen 110 and knobs 440 are attached to each edge frame piece 445,
450. The knobs can slide within their respective tracks as the
wings 405, 410 are opened and closed cause the screen to expand and
contract (i.e., shift) within its support frame.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a wing support
structure to be used in an implementation of a support frame for a
foldable display. FIG. 6 shows the wing support 410 detached from
the remainder of the support frame and display. FIG. 7 shows a top
view of the same wing support illustrated in FIG. 6. In this
example, a hinge 605 is integrated with the wing 410 to connect the
wing 410 to the main device housing and facilitate the swinging or
rotation (or swiveling) of the wing relative to the housing about
an axis defined by the hinge rod. The wing, and thereby the
display, can be folded about this hinge. Other mechanisms, such as
alternative hinge implementations, can be provided in other
instances to facilitate folding of the support frame and the
flexible display. Shown, too, are support tracks (e.g., 435d, 435e,
435f), upper and lower frame tracks 460, 465, and the edge frame
piece 445 of the wing 410. As noted above, the edge frame piece 445
is connected to the tracks 435 by corresponding knobs 440 that fix
the edge frame piece 445 (and the screen to which it is to be
attached) to the wing, while allowing the edge frame piece 445 and
knobs 440 to slide back and forth within the tracks 435.
In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the hinge 605 attaches to the
remainder of the wing support 410 at three places, although
implementations can provide for the hinge to attach to the wing at
more or fewer locations on the wing (e.g., 410). The hinge 605 can
also be configured to be a locking hinge to define two or more
positions for the wing 410. For instance, the hinge can cause the
wing to lock in a folded and unfolded position to thereby define
stable orientations for the corresponding display screen. A button
610 can be provided that when pressed opposes one or more springs
(e.g., 615a-c) (or other mechanism biasing the hinge toward its
locked position) to allow the wing to rotate around the hinge 605.
The button 610, when released, can allow the hinge to re-lock when
the wing rotates to one of the defined positions.
FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a detailed view of an example implementation
of a locking hinge 605 for use in facilitating a scalable display
device. The body of the wing support 410 can connect to the hinge
rod 820 and button by one or more connectors 815 that allow the
wing frame 410 to rotate around the rod 820. Further, as introduced
above, the hinge can be lockable. In one example, the locking
mechanism of the hinge can include a tooth 805 and notch 810 lock.
In the example of FIGS. 8A-8B, the tooth 805 is disposed on the
button 610 capping hinge rod 820. One or more notches (e.g., 810)
can be disposed on connector 815 that are configured to mate with
tooth 805 and lock the wing in a corresponding position. In other
instances, the tooth 805 can be disposed on the rod 820 itself. In
still other implementations, the tooth (or teeth) can be disposed
on the connector 815 and the notch(es) can be provided on the hinge
rod or button.
FIG. 8A shows the hinge lock in a first locked position, with the
tooth 805 aligned with and securely engaged in the notch 810. One
or more springs (e.g., 615a) bias the rod 820 to keep the tooth 805
engaged in the notch 810. FIG. 8B shows the hinge lock in an
unlocked position. In the view of FIG. 8B, the button 610 has been
depressed causing the tooth (or teeth) to descend below connector
815 and notches 810, 825, thereby disengaging the lock. With the
lock disengaged, the wing frame 410 can rotate freely about the
hinge rod 820 at wing connector 815. In this example, two notches
(e.g., 810, 825) and corresponding teeth are provided to define two
positions or orientations of the wing frame (and a display to which
it is to be connected). When the wing frame 410 rotates 180 degrees
from the starting position shown in FIGS. 8A-8B and the button 610
is released, the wing frame 410 can lock into a second position,
with tooth 805 engaged with notch 825. In other instances, more
than two lock positions can be provided, with corresponding teeth
and notches, among other examples and implementations.
Referring back to FIG. 3, all or a portion of hinge button 610 can
be enclosed within the housing of a device. In this example, two
wings are provided with two corresponding wings and locking hinges.
The housing can be provided with depressible button elements 305,
310 that align with the tops of hinge buttons (e.g., 610) enclosed
within the housing. A user can press on the button elements 305,
310, to contact and depress the underlying hinge buttons to
disengage the hinge lock (such as illustrated and described in the
examples of FIGS. 8A-8B). With the hinge locks disengaged, a user
can fold or unfold corresponding wing supports a display screen
portions to place the display device into a desired one of its
supported orientations.
FIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate additional views of wing
frame supports 405, 410 and corresponding locking hinges. FIG. 9A
shows a rear view of a right wing frame 410 (and corresponding
support tracks 435d-f and knobs 440d-f). FIG. 9B shows a front view
of the right wing frame 410. FIGS. 9A-9B shows the slidable
supports of the right wing 410 in a fully retracted position (e.g.,
corresponding to the wing frame 410 and display being in a folded
orientation). FIG. 10A shows a front view of the left wing frame
405, FIG. 10B showing a rear view of the same left wing frame 405
(and corresponding support tracks 435a-c and knobs 440a-c). FIGS.
10A-10B shows the slidable supports of the leftwing 405 in a fully
extended position (e.g., corresponding to the wing frame 405 and
display being in a full-screen or unfolded orientation). In the
examples of FIGS. 9A-10B each wing frame 405, 410 connects to the
hinge at multiple positions (e.g., at connectors 815a-f).
Respective springs and hinge locks can be provided at each of the
connectors 815a-f (e.g., similar to the connector 815 shown and
described in connection with the examples of FIGS. 8A-8B).
It should be appreciated that the specific examples shown and
described herein are presented for the sake of illustrating certain
features and attributes that can also be applied to other
alternative designs and implementations. For instance, wings can
themselves be foldable to define further display surface portions
(and corresponding orientation options), by providing for hinges
bisecting (or trisecting, etc.) the body of the hinge. In still
other examples, additional wings can be provided that are attached
at the top and or bottom of the main device housing (in addition to
or instead of wings provided at the sides of the main device
housing, such as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1A-4B). In
implementations utilizing multiple wings, display screen
orientations can be defined where no screens are folded to direct a
portion outside of the screen display area, where only one wing is
folded to direct its corresponding display portion outside the
screen display area, where more than one wing is folded, or where
all wings are folded (e.g., leaving only the center display
portion, mounted to or forming the front face of the main device
housing, as the screen display area in a corresponding
orientation), among other examples.
FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram is illustrated of an example
mobile device 1100. Mobile device 1100 is an example of a possible
computing system (e.g., a host or endpoint device) of the examples
and implementations described herein. In an embodiment, mobile
device 1100 operates as a transmitter and a receiver of wireless
communications signals. Specifically, in one example, mobile device
1100 may be capable of both transmitting and receiving cellular
network voice and data mobile services. Mobile services include
such functionality as full Internet access, downloadable and
streaming video content, as well as voice telephone
communications.
Mobile device 1100 may correspond to a conventional wireless or
cellular portable telephone, such as a handset that is capable of
receiving "3G", or "third generation" cellular services. In another
example, mobile device 1100 may be capable of additionally or
alternatively transmitting and receiving "4G", "LTE", or any other
mobile service.
Examples of devices that can correspond to mobile device 1100
include cellular telephone handsets and smartphones, such as those
capable of Internet access, email, and instant messaging
communications, and portable video receiving and display devices,
along with the capability of supporting telephone services. It is
contemplated that those skilled in the art having reference to this
specification will readily comprehend the nature of modern
smartphones and telephone handset devices and systems suitable for
implementation of the different aspects of this disclosure as
described herein. As such, the architecture of mobile device 1100
illustrated in FIG. 11 is presented at a relatively high level.
Nevertheless, it is contemplated that modifications and
alternatives to this architecture may be made and will be apparent
to the reader, such modifications and alternatives contemplated to
be within the scope of this description.
In an aspect of this disclosure, mobile device 1100 includes a
transceiver 1102, which is connected to and in communication with
an antenna. Transceiver 1102 may be a radio frequency transceiver.
Also, wireless signals may be transmitted and received via
transceiver 1102. Transceiver 1102 may be constructed, for example,
to include analog and digital radio frequency (RF) `front end`
functionality, circuitry for converting RF signals to a baseband
frequency, via an intermediate frequency (IF) if desired, analog
and digital filtering, and other conventional circuitry useful for
carrying out wireless communications over modern cellular
frequencies, for example, those suited for 3G or 4G communications.
Transceiver 1102 is connected to a processor 1104, which may
perform the bulk of the digital signal processing of signals to be
communicated and signals received, at the baseband frequency.
Processor 1104 can provide a graphics interface to a display
element 1108, for the display of text, graphics, and video to a
user. The display element 1108, as introduced above, can be a
scalable, foldable display device including a flexible display
screen 1110. The flexible screen can be a touchscreen and display
element can include graphics logic 1112 (for use in rendering data
for display on the device) and input logic 1114 for recognizing
touch gestures and other inputs. Display element 1108 can
additionally include orientation logic 1116 including sensors and
logic circuitry to identify when the screen has been folded in a
particular orientation. Orientation logic 1116 can detect changes
in orientation and relay these changes to cause the corresponding
graphics, displayed on the device, to be modified and adapted to
the present orientation of the screen. Orientation logic 1116 can
also cause portions of the flexible screen 1110 to be enabled or
disabled based upon the detected screen orientation, among other
example functionality.
In an aspect of this disclosure, processor 1104 may be a processor
that can execute any type of instructions to achieve the
functionality and operations as detailed herein. Processor 1104 may
also be coupled to a memory element 1106 for storing information
and data used in operations performed using the processor 1104.
Additional details of an example processor 1104 and memory element
1106 are subsequently described herein. In an example embodiment,
mobile device 1100 may be designed with a system-on-a-chip (SoC)
architecture, which integrates many or all components of the mobile
device into a single chip, in at least some embodiments.
FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of components present in a more
detailed example of a computer system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, system
1200 includes any combination of components. These components may
be implemented as ICs, portions thereof, discrete electronic
devices, or other modules, logic, hardware, software, firmware, or
a combination thereof adapted in a computer system, or as
components otherwise incorporated within a chassis of the computer
system. Note also that the block diagram of FIG. 12 is intended to
show a high level view of many components of the computer system.
However, it is to be understood that some of the components shown
may be omitted, additional components may be present, and different
arrangement of the components shown may occur in other
implementations. As a result, the invention described above may be
implemented in any portion of one or more of the interconnects
illustrated or described below.
As seen in FIG. 12, a processor 1210, in one embodiment, includes a
microprocessor, multi-core processor, multithreaded processor, an
ultra low voltage processor, an embedded processor, or other known
processing element. In the illustrated implementation, processor
1210 acts as a main processing unit and central hub for
communication with many of the various components of the system
1200. As one example, processor 1200 is implemented as a system on
a chip (SoC). As a specific illustrative example, processor 1210
includes an Intel.RTM. Architecture Core.TM.-based processor such
as an i3, i5, i7 or another such processor available from Intel
Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif. However, understand that other low
power processors such as available from Advanced Micro Devices,
Inc. (AMD) of Sunnyvale, Calif., a MIPS-based design from MIPS
Technologies, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., an ARM-based design
licensed from ARM Holdings, Ltd. or customer thereof, or their
licensees or adopters may instead be present in other embodiments
such as an Apple A5/A6 processor, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor,
or TI OMAP processor. Note that many of the customer versions of
such processors are modified and varied; however, they may support
or recognize a specific instructions set that performs defined
algorithms as set forth by the processor licensor. Here, the
microarchitectural implementation may vary, but the architectural
function of the processor is usually consistent. Certain details
regarding the architecture and operation of processor 1210 in one
implementation will be discussed further below to provide an
illustrative example.
Processor 1210, in one embodiment, communicates with a system
memory 1215. As an illustrative example, which in an embodiment can
be implemented via multiple memory devices to provide for a given
amount of system memory. As examples, the memory can be in
accordance with a Joint Electron Devices Engineering Council
(JEDEC) low power double data rate (LPDDR)-based design such as the
current LPDDR2 standard according to JEDEC JESD 209-2E (published
April 2009), or a next generation LPDDR standard to be referred to
as LPDDR3 or LPDDR4 that will offer extensions to LPDDR2 to
increase bandwidth. In various implementations the individual
memory devices may be of different package types such as single die
package (SDP), dual die package (DDP) or quad die package (QDP).
These devices, in some embodiments, are directly soldered onto a
motherboard to provide a lower profile solution, while in other
embodiments the devices are configured as one or more memory
modules that in turn couple to the motherboard by a given
connector. And of course, other memory implementations are possible
such as other types of memory modules, e.g., dual inline memory
modules (DIMMs) of different varieties including but not limited to
microDIMMs, MiniDIMMs. In a particular illustrative embodiment,
memory is sized between 2 GB and 16 GB, and may be configured as a
DDR3LM package or an LPDDR2 or LPDDR3 memory that is soldered onto
a motherboard via a ball grid array (BGA).
To provide for persistent storage of information such as data,
applications, one or more operating systems and so forth, a mass
storage 1220 may also couple to processor 1210. In various
embodiments, to enable a thinner and lighter system design as well
as to improve system responsiveness, this mass storage may be
implemented via a solid state drive (SSD). However in other
embodiments, the mass storage may primarily be implemented using a
hard disk drive (HDD) with a smaller amount of SSD storage to act
as a SSD cache to enable non-volatile storage of context state and
other such information during power down events so that a fast
power up can occur on re-initiation of system activities. Also
shown in FIG. 12, a flash device 1222 may be coupled to processor
1210, e.g., via a serial peripheral interface (SPI). This flash
device may provide for non-volatile storage of system software,
including a basic input/output software (BIOS) as well as other
firmware of the system.
In various embodiments, mass storage of the system is implemented
by a SSD alone or as a disk, optical or other drive with an SSD
cache. In some embodiments, the mass storage is implemented as a
SSD or as a HDD along with a restore (RST) cache module. In various
implementations, the HDD provides for storage of between 320 GB-4
terabytes (TB) and upward while the RST cache is implemented with a
SSD having a capacity of 24 GB-256 GB. Note that such SSD cache may
be configured as a single level cache (SLC) or multi-level cache
(MLC) option to provide an appropriate level of responsiveness. In
a SSD-only option, the module may be accommodated in various
locations such as in a mSATA or NGFF slot. As an example, an SSD
has a capacity ranging from 120 GB-1 TB.
Various input/output (IO) devices may be present within system
1200. Specifically shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12 is a display
1224 which may be a high definition LCD or LED panel configured
within a lid portion of the chassis. This display panel may also
provide for a touch screen 1225, e.g., adapted externally over the
display panel such that via a user's interaction with this touch
screen, user inputs can be provided to the system to enable desired
operations, e.g., with regard to the display of information,
accessing of information and so forth. In one embodiment, display
1224 may be coupled to processor 1210 via a display interconnect
that can be implemented as a high performance graphics
interconnect. Touch screen 1225 may be coupled to processor 1210
via another interconnect, which in an embodiment can be an I.sup.2C
interconnect. As further shown in FIG. 12, in addition to touch
screen 1225, user input by way of touch can also occur via a touch
pad 1230 which may be configured within the chassis and may also be
coupled to the same I.sup.2C interconnect as touch screen 1225.
The display panel may operate in multiple modes. In a first mode,
the display panel can be arranged in a transparent state in which
the display panel is transparent to visible light. In various
embodiments, the majority of the display panel may be a display
except for a bezel around the periphery. When the system is
operated in a notebook mode and the display panel is operated in a
transparent state, a user may view information that is presented on
the display panel while also being able to view objects behind the
display. In addition, information displayed on the display panel
may be viewed by a user positioned behind the display. Or the
operating state of the display panel can be an opaque state in
which visible light does not transmit through the display
panel.
In a tablet mode the system is folded shut such that the back
display surface of the display panel comes to rest in a position
such that it faces outwardly towards a user, when the bottom
surface of the base panel is rested on a surface or held by the
user. In the tablet mode of operation, the back display surface
performs the role of a display and user interface, as this surface
may have touch screen functionality and may perform other known
functions of a conventional touch screen device, such as a tablet
device. To this end, the display panel may include a
transparency-adjusting layer that is disposed between a touch
screen layer and a front display surface. In some embodiments the
transparency-adjusting layer may be an electrochromic layer (EC), a
LCD layer, or a combination of EC and LCD layers.
In various embodiments, the display can be of different sizes,
e.g., an 11.6'' or a 13.3'' screen, and may have a 16:9 aspect
ratio, and at least 300 nits brightness. Also the display may be of
full high definition (HD) resolution (at least 1920 x 1080p), be
compatible with an embedded display port (eDP), and be a low power
panel with panel self refresh.
As to touch screen capabilities, the system may provide for a
display multi-touch panel that is multi-touch capacitive and being
at least 5 finger capable. And in some embodiments, the display may
be 10 finger capable. In one embodiment, the touch screen is
accommodated within a damage and scratch-resistant glass and
coating (e.g., Gorilla Glass.TM. or Gorilla Glass 2.TM.) for low
friction to reduce "finger burn" and avoid "finger skipping". To
provide for an enhanced touch experience and responsiveness, the
touch panel, in some implementations, has multi-touch
functionality, such as less than 2 frames (30 Hz) per static view
during pinch zoom, and single-touch functionality of less than 1 cm
per frame (30 Hz) with 200 ms (lag on finger to pointer). The
display, in some implementations, supports edge-to-edge glass with
a minimal screen bezel that is also flush with the panel surface,
and limited IO interference when using multi-touch.
For perceptual computing and other purposes, various sensors may be
present within the system and may be coupled to processor 1210 in
different manners. Certain inertial and environmental sensors may
couple to processor 1210 through a sensor hub 1240, e.g., via an
I.sup.2C interconnect. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, these
sensors may include an accelerometer 1241, an ambient light sensor
(ALS) 1242, a compass 1243 and a gyroscope 1244. Other
environmental sensors may include one or more thermal sensors 1246
which in some embodiments couple to processor 1210 via a system
management bus (SMBus) bus.
Using the various inertial and environmental sensors present in a
platform, many different use cases may be realized. These use cases
enable advanced computing operations including perceptual computing
and also allow for enhancements with regard to power
management/battery life, security, and system responsiveness.
For example with regard to power management/battery life issues,
based at least on part on information from an ambient light sensor,
the ambient light conditions in a location of the platform are
determined and intensity of the display controlled accordingly.
Thus, power consumed in operating the display is reduced in certain
light conditions.
As to security operations, based on context information obtained
from the sensors such as location information, it may be determined
whether a user is allowed to access certain secure documents. For
example, a user may be permitted to access such documents at a work
place or a home location. However, the user is prevented from
accessing such documents when the platform is present at a public
location. This determination, in one embodiment, is based on
location information, e.g., determined via a GPS sensor or camera
recognition of landmarks. Other security operations may include
providing for pairing of devices within a close range of each
other, e.g., a portable platform as described herein and a user's
desktop computer, mobile telephone or so forth. Certain sharing, in
some implementations, are realized via near field communication
when these devices are so paired. However, when the devices exceed
a certain range, such sharing may be disabled. Furthermore, when
pairing a platform as described herein and a smartphone, an alarm
may be configured to be triggered when the devices move more than a
predetermined distance from each other, when in a public location.
In contrast, when these paired devices are in a safe location,
e.g., a work place or home location, the devices may exceed this
predetermined limit without triggering such alarm.
Responsiveness may also be enhanced using the sensor information.
For example, even when a platform is in a low power state, the
sensors may still be enabled to run at a relatively low frequency.
Accordingly, any changes in a location of the platform, e.g., as
determined by inertial sensors, GPS sensor, or so forth is
determined. If no such changes have been registered, a faster
connection to a previous wireless hub such as a Wi-Fi.TM. access
point or similar wireless enabler occurs, as there is no need to
scan for available wireless network resources in this case. Thus, a
greater level of responsiveness when waking from a low power state
is achieved.
It is to be understood that many other use cases may be enabled
using sensor information obtained via the integrated sensors within
a platform as described herein, and the above examples are only for
purposes of illustration. Using a system as described herein, a
perceptual computing system may allow for the addition of
alternative input modalities, including gesture recognition, and
enable the system to sense user operations and intent.
In some embodiments one or more infrared or other heat sensing
elements, or any other element for sensing the presence or movement
of a user may be present. Such sensing elements may include
multiple different elements working together, working in sequence,
or both. For example, sensing elements include elements that
provide initial sensing, such as light or sound projection,
followed by sensing for gesture detection by, for example, an
ultrasonic time of flight camera or a patterned light camera.
Also in some embodiments, the system includes a light generator to
produce an illuminated line. In some embodiments, this line
provides a visual cue regarding a virtual boundary, namely an
imaginary or virtual location in space, where action of the user to
pass or break through the virtual boundary or plane is interpreted
as an intent to engage with the computing system. In some
embodiments, the illuminated line may change colors as the
computing system transitions into different states with regard to
the user. The illuminated line may be used to provide a visual cue
for the user of a virtual boundary in space, and may be used by the
system to determine transitions in state of the computer with
regard to the user, including determining when the user wishes to
engage with the computer.
In some embodiments, the computer senses user position and operates
to interpret the movement of a hand of the user through the virtual
boundary as a gesture indicating an intention of the user to engage
with the computer. In some embodiments, upon the user passing
through the virtual line or plane the light generated by the light
generator may change, thereby providing visual feedback to the user
that the user has entered an area for providing gestures to provide
input to the computer.
Display screens may provide visual indications of transitions of
state of the computing system with regard to a user. In some
embodiments, a first screen is provided in a first state in which
the presence of a user is sensed by the system, such as through use
of one or more of the sensing elements.
In some implementations, the system acts to sense user identity,
such as by facial recognition. Here, transition to a second screen
may be provided in a second state, in which the computing system
has recognized the user identity, where this second the screen
provides visual feedback to the user that the user has transitioned
into a new state. Transition to a third screen may occur in a third
state in which the user has confirmed recognition of the user.
In some embodiments, the computing system may use a transition
mechanism to determine a location of a virtual boundary for a user,
where the location of the virtual boundary may vary with user and
context. The computing system may generate a light, such as an
illuminated line, to indicate the virtual boundary for engaging
with the system. In some embodiments, the computing system may be
in a waiting state, and the light may be produced in a first color.
The computing system may detect whether the user has reached past
the virtual boundary, such as by sensing the presence and movement
of the user using sensing elements.
In some embodiments, if the user has been detected as having
crossed the virtual boundary (such as the hands of the user being
closer to the computing system than the virtual boundary line), the
computing system may transition to a state for receiving gesture
inputs from the user, where a mechanism to indicate the transition
may include the light indicating the virtual boundary changing to a
second color.
In some embodiments, the computing system may then determine
whether gesture movement is detected. If gesture movement is
detected, the computing system may proceed with a gesture
recognition process, which may include the use of data from a
gesture data library, which may reside in memory in the computing
device or may be otherwise accessed by the computing device.
If a gesture of the user is recognized, the computing system may
perform a function in response to the input, and return to receive
additional gestures if the user is within the virtual boundary. In
some embodiments, if the gesture is not recognized, the computing
system may transition into an error state, where a mechanism to
indicate the error state may include the light indicating the
virtual boundary changing to a third color, with the system
returning to receive additional gestures if the user is within the
virtual boundary for engaging with the computing system.
As mentioned above, in other embodiments the system can be
configured as a convertible tablet system that can be used in at
least two different modes, a tablet mode and a notebook mode. The
convertible system may have two panels, namely a display panel and
a base panel such that in the tablet mode the two panels are
disposed in a stack on top of one another. In the tablet mode, the
display panel faces outwardly and may provide touch screen
functionality as found in conventional tablets. In the notebook
mode, the two panels may be arranged in an open clamshell
configuration.
In various embodiments, the accelerometer may be a 3-axis
accelerometer having data rates of at least 50 Hz. A gyroscope may
also be included, which can be a 3-axis gyroscope. In addition, an
e-compass/magnetometer may be present. Also, one or more proximity
sensors may be provided (e.g., for lid open to sense when a person
is in proximity (or not) to the system and adjust power/performance
to extend battery life). For some OS's Sensor Fusion capability
including the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass may provide
enhanced features. In addition, via a sensor hub having a real-time
clock (RTC), a wake from sensors mechanism may be realized to
receive sensor input when a remainder of the system is in a low
power state.
In some embodiments, an internal lid/display open switch or sensor
to indicate when the lid is closed/open, and can be used to place
the system into Connected Standby or automatically wake from
Connected Standby state. Other system sensors can include ACPI
sensors for internal processor, memory, and skin temperature
monitoring to enable changes to processor and system operating
states based on sensed parameters.
In an embodiment, the OS may be a Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM. 8 OS
that implements Connected Standby (also referred to herein as Win8
CS). Windows 8 Connected Standby or another OS having a similar
state can provide, via a platform as described herein, very low
ultra idle power to enable applications to remain connected, e.g.,
to a cloud-based location, at very low power consumption. The
platform can supports 3 power states, namely screen on (normal);
Connected Standby (as a default "off" state); and shutdown (zero
watts of power consumption). Thus in the Connected Standby state,
the platform is logically on (at minimal power levels) even though
the screen is off. In such a platform, power management can be made
to be transparent to applications and maintain constant
connectivity, in part due to offload technology to enable the
lowest powered component to perform an operation.
Also seen in FIG. 12, various peripheral devices may couple to
processor 1210 via a low pin count (LPC) interconnect. In the
embodiment shown, various components can be coupled through an
embedded controller 1235. Such components can include a keyboard
1236 (e.g., coupled via a PS2 interface), a fan 1237, and a thermal
sensor 1239. In some embodiments, touch pad 1230 may also couple to
EC 1235 via a PS2 interface. In addition, a security processor such
as a trusted platform module (TPM) 1238 in accordance with the
Trusted Computing Group (TCG) TPM Specification Version 1.2, dated
Oct. 2, 2003, may also couple to processor 1210 via this LPC
interconnect. However, understand the scope of the present
invention is not limited in this regard and secure processing and
storage of secure information may be in another protected location
such as a static random access memory (SRAM) in a security
coprocessor, or as encrypted data blobs that are only decrypted
when protected by a secure enclave (SE) processor mode.
In a particular implementation, peripheral ports may include a high
definition media interface (HDMI) connector (which can be of
different form factors such as full size, mini or micro); one or
more USB ports, such as full-size external ports in accordance with
the Universal Serial Bus Revision 3.0 Specification (November
2008), with at least one powered for charging of USB devices (such
as smartphones) when the system is in Connected Standby state and
is plugged into AC wall power. In addition, one or more
Thunderbolt.TM. ports can be provided. Other ports may include an
externally accessible card reader such as a full size SD-XC card
reader and/or a SIM card reader for WWAN (e.g., an 8 pin card
reader). For audio, a 3.5 mm jack with stereo sound and microphone
capability (e.g., combination functionality) can be present, with
support for jack detection (e.g., headphone only support using
microphone in the lid or headphone with microphone in cable). In
some embodiments, this jack can be re-taskable between stereo
headphone and stereo microphone input. Also, a power jack can be
provided for coupling to an AC brick.
System 1200 can communicate with external devices in a variety of
manners, including wirelessly. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,
various wireless modules, each of which can correspond to a radio
configured for a particular wireless communication protocol, are
present. One manner for wireless communication in a short range
such as a near field may be via a near field communication (NFC)
unit 1245 which may communicate, in one embodiment with processor
1210 via an SMBus. Note that via this NFC unit 1245, devices in
close proximity to each other can communicate. For example, a user
can enable system 1200 to communicate with another (e.g.,) portable
device such as a smartphone of the user via adapting the two
devices together in close relation and enabling transfer of
information such as identification information payment information,
data such as image data or so forth. Wireless power transfer may
also be performed using a NFC system.
Using the NFC unit described herein, users can bump devices
side-to-side and place devices side-by-side for near field coupling
functions (such as near field communication and wireless power
transfer (WPT)) by leveraging the coupling between coils of one or
more of such devices. More specifically, embodiments provide
devices with strategically shaped, and placed, ferrite materials,
to provide for better coupling of the coils. Each coil has an
inductance associated with it, which can be chosen in conjunction
with the resistive, capacitive, and other features of the system to
enable a common resonant frequency for the system.
As further seen in FIG. 12, additional wireless units can include
other short range wireless engines including a WLAN unit 1250 and a
Bluetooth unit 1252. Using WLAN unit 1250, Wi-Fi.TM. communications
in accordance with a given Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard can be realized, while via
Bluetooth unit 1252, short range communications via a Bluetooth
protocol can occur. These units may communicate with processor 1210
via, e.g., a USB link or a universal asynchronous receiver
transmitter (UART) link. Or these units may couple to processor
1210 via an interconnect according to a Peripheral Component
Interconnect Express.TM. (PCIe.TM.) protocol, e.g., in accordance
with the PCI Express.TM. Specification Base Specification version
3.0 (published Jan. 17, 2007), or another such protocol such as a
serial data input/output (SDIO) standard. Of course, the actual
physical connection between these peripheral devices, which may be
configured on one or more add-in cards, can be by way of the NGFF
connectors adapted to a motherboard.
In addition, wireless wide area communications, e.g., according to
a cellular or other wireless wide area protocol, can occur via a
WWAN unit 1256 which in turn may couple to a subscriber identity
module (SIM) 1257. In addition, to enable receipt and use of
location information, a GPS module 1255 may also be present. Note
that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, WWAN unit 1256 and an
integrated capture device such as a camera module 1254 may
communicate via a given USB protocol such as a USB 2.0 or 3.0 link,
or a UART or I.sup.2C protocol. Again the actual physical
connection of these units can be via adaptation of a NGFF add-in
card to an NGFF connector configured on the motherboard.
In a particular embodiment, wireless functionality can be provided
modularly, e.g., with a WiFi.TM. 802.11ac solution (e.g., add-in
card that is backward compatible with IEEE 802.11abgn) with support
for Windows 8 CS. This card can be configured in an internal slot
(e.g., via an NGFF adapter). An additional module may provide for
Bluetooth capability (e.g., Bluetooth 4.0 with backwards
compatibility) as well as Intel.RTM. Wireless Display
functionality. In addition NFC support may be provided via a
separate device or multi-function device, and can be positioned as
an example, in a front right portion of the chassis for easy
access. A still additional module may be a WWAN device that can
provide support for 3G/4G/LTE and GPS. This module can be
implemented in an internal (e.g., NGFF) slot. Integrated antenna
support can be provided for WiFi.TM., Bluetooth, WWAN, NFC and GPS,
enabling seamless transition from WiFi.TM. to WWAN radios, wireless
gigabit (WiGig) in accordance with the Wireless Gigabit
Specification (July 2010), and vice versa.
As described above, an integrated camera can be incorporated in the
lid. As one example, this camera can be a high resolution camera,
e.g., having a resolution of at least 2.0 megapixels (MP) and
extending to 6.0 MP and beyond.
To provide for audio inputs and outputs, an audio processor can be
implemented via a digital signal processor (DSP) 1260, which may
couple to processor 1210 via a high definition audio (HDA) link.
Similarly, DSP 1260 may communicate with an integrated
coder/decoder (CODEC) and amplifier 1262 that in turn may couple to
output speakers 1263 which may be implemented within the chassis.
Similarly, amplifier and CODEC 1262 can be coupled to receive audio
inputs from a microphone 1265 which in an embodiment can be
implemented via dual array microphones (such as a digital
microphone array) to provide for high quality audio inputs to
enable voice-activated control of various operations within the
system. Note also that audio outputs can be provided from
amplifier/CODEC 1262 to a headphone jack 1264. Although shown with
these particular components in the embodiment of FIG. 12,
understand the scope of the present invention is not limited in
this regard.
In a particular embodiment, the digital audio codec and amplifier
are capable of driving the stereo headphone jack, stereo microphone
jack, an internal microphone array and stereo speakers. In
different implementations, the codec can be integrated into an
audio DSP or coupled via an HD audio path to a peripheral
controller hub (PCH). In some implementations, in addition to
integrated stereo speakers, one or more bass speakers can be
provided, and the speaker solution can support DTS audio.
In some embodiments, processor 1210 may be powered by an external
voltage regulator (VR) and multiple internal voltage regulators
that are integrated inside the processor die, referred to as fully
integrated voltage regulators (FIVRs). The use of multiple FIVRs in
the processor enables the grouping of components into separate
power planes, such that power is regulated and supplied by the FIVR
to only those components in the group. During power management, a
given power plane of one FIVR may be powered down or off when the
processor is placed into a certain low power state, while another
power plane of another FIVR remains active, or fully powered.
In one embodiment, a sustain power plane can be used during some
deep sleep states to power on the I/O pins for several I/O signals,
such as the interface between the processor and a PCH, the
interface with the external VR and the interface with EC 1235. This
sustain power plane also powers an on-die voltage regulator that
supports the on-board SRAM or other cache memory in which the
processor context is stored during the sleep state. The sustain
power plane is also used to power on the processor's wakeup logic
that monitors and processes the various wakeup source signals.
During power management, while other power planes are powered down
or off when the processor enters certain deep sleep states, the
sustain power plane remains powered on to support the
above-referenced components. However, this can lead to unnecessary
power consumption or dissipation when those components are not
needed. To this end, embodiments may provide a connected standby
sleep state to maintain processor context using a dedicated power
plane. In one embodiment, the connected standby sleep state
facilitates processor wakeup using resources of a PCH which itself
may be present in a package with the processor. In one embodiment,
the connected standby sleep state facilitates sustaining processor
architectural functions in the PCH until processor wakeup, this
enabling turning off all of the unnecessary processor components
that were previously left powered on during deep sleep states,
including turning off all of the clocks. In one embodiment, the PCH
contains a time stamp counter (TSC) and connected standby logic for
controlling the system during the connected standby state. The
integrated voltage regulator for the sustain power plane may reside
on the PCH as well.
In an embodiment, during the connected standby state, an integrated
voltage regulator may function as a dedicated power plane that
remains powered on to support the dedicated cache memory in which
the processor context is stored such as critical state variables
when the processor enters the deep sleep states and connected
standby state. This critical state may include state variables
associated with the architectural, micro-architectural, debug
state, and/or similar state variables associated with the
processor.
The wakeup source signals from EC 1235 may be sent to the PCH
instead of the processor during the connected standby state so that
the PCH can manage the wakeup processing instead of the processor.
In addition, the TSC is maintained in the PCH to facilitate
sustaining processor architectural functions. Although shown with
these particular components in the embodiment of FIG. 12,
understand the scope of the present invention is not limited in
this regard.
Power control in the processor can lead to enhanced power savings.
For example, power can be dynamically allocate between cores,
individual cores can change frequency/voltage, and multiple deep
low power states can be provided to enable very low power
consumption. In addition, dynamic control of the cores or
independent core portions can provide for reduced power consumption
by powering off components when they are not being used.
Some implementations may provide a specific power management IC
(PMIC) to control platform power. Using this solution, a system may
see very low (e.g., less than 5%) battery degradation over an
extended duration (e.g., 16 hours) when in a given standby state,
such as when in a Win8 Connected Standby state. In a Win8 idle
state a battery life exceeding, e.g., 9 hours may be realized
(e.g., at 150 nits). As to video playback, a long battery life can
be realized, e.g., full HD video playback can occur for a minimum
of 6 hours. A platform in one implementation may have an energy
capacity of, e.g., 35 watt hours (Whr) for a Win8 CS using an SSD
and (e.g.,) 40-44 Whr for Win8 CS using an HDD with a RST cache
configuration.
In different implementations, a security module such as a TPM can
be integrated into a processor or can be a discrete device such as
a TPM 2.0 device. With an integrated security module, also referred
to as Platform Trust Technology (PTT), BIOS/firmware can be enabled
to expose certain hardware features for certain security features,
including secure instructions, secure boot, Intel.RTM. Anti-Theft
Technology, Intel.RTM. Identity Protection Technology, Intel.RTM.
Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), and Intel.RTM. Manageability
Engine Technology along with secure user interfaces such as a
secure keyboard and display.
Various embodiments may be implemented using hardware elements,
software elements, or a combination of both. Examples of hardware
elements may include processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit
elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and
so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated
circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal
processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic
gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip
sets, and so forth. Examples of software may include software
components, programs, applications, computer programs, application
programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system
software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines,
subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software interfaces,
application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computing
code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments, words,
values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an
embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and/or software
elements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such as
desired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances,
processing cycle budget, input data rates, output data rates,
memory resources, data bus speeds and other design, performance or
cost constraints. Some embodiments may be described using the
expression "coupled" and "connected" along with their derivatives.
These terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For
example, some embodiments may be described using the terms
"connected" and/or "coupled" to indicate that two or more elements
are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The
term "coupled," however, may also mean that two or more elements
are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate
or interact with each other.
Some embodiments may be implemented, for example, using a
machine-readable or computer-readable medium or article which may
store an instruction, a set of instructions or computer executable
code that, if executed by a machine or processor, may cause the
machine or processor to perform a method and/or operations in
accordance with the embodiments. Such a machine may include, for
example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform,
computing device, processing device, computing system, processing
system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented
using any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. The
machine-readable medium or article may comprise a non-transitory
medium in some embodiments and may include, for example, any
suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory
medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and/or
storage unit, for example, memory, removable or non-removable
media, volatile or non-volatile memory or media, erasable or
non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or
analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory
(CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable
(CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media,
removable memory cards or disks, various types of Digital Versatile
Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like. The instructions may
include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled
code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code,
encrypted code, and the like, implemented using any suitable
high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or
interpreted programming language.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, it may be appreciated that
terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of
a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing
device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as
physical quantities (e.g., electronic) within the computing
system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly
represented as physical quantities within the computing system's
memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission
or display devices. The embodiments are not limited in this
context.
The following examples pertain to embodiments in accordance with
this Specification. The following examples pertain to embodiments
in accordance with this Specification. An apparatus can be provided
that includes a foldable frame to support a flexible display
screen. The frame includes a housing to enclose one or more
processor devices and support a center portion of the display
screen, a first wing extending from a first side of the housing and
connected to the housing by a first hinge to support a first side
portion of the display screen, and a second wing extending from a
second side of the housing and connected to the housing by a second
hinge to support a second side portion of the display screen. The
first wing can be operable to swivel about a first axis defined by
the first hinge and the second wing can be operable to swivel about
a second axis defined by the second hinge. The first wing and
second wing can support the display screen in a first orientation
when positioned parallel with the front face of the housing to form
a plane bounded by an outside edge of the first wing and an outside
edge of the second wing, and at least the first wing can be folded
adjacent to the a rear face of the housing to support the display
screen in a second orientation.
In one or more embodiments, the first orientation can define a
first display surface area and the second orientation can define a
smaller, second display surface area. The first display surface
area can include the center, first side, and second side portions
of the display screen, and at least the first side portion of the
display screen can be excluded from the second display surface
area. The second wing is folded adjacent to the first wing behind
the front surface of the housing in the second orientation, and the
second side portion of the display screen can also be excluded from
the second display surface area. At least the first side portion of
the display screen can be disabled when in the second orientation.
The second wing can extend from the housing to form a plane with
the front face of the housing in the first orientation, and the
second wing can be folded adjacent to the first wing behind the
front surface of the housing in the second orientation, where the
first wing is folded adjacent to the a rear face of the housing and
the second wing is folded adjacent to the first wing behind the
front surface of the housing to support the display screen in a
third orientation, the third orientation defining a third display
surface area in which both the first and second side portions of
the display are excluded from the third display surface area. The
first display surface area can correspond to a graphical display of
a tablet computer and the second display surface area can
correspond to a graphical display of a smartphone.
In one or more embodiments, one or more sensors can be provided to
identify whether the first and second wings are positioned to
define the first orientation or the second orientation. GUIs
presented on the display screen can be adapted based on whether the
first orientation or the second orientation is sensed by the one or
more sensors. Each of the first and second wings can include a
respective lateral frame support to attach to a corresponding
outside edge of the display screen, and one or more tracks that
connect to the lateral frame support and enable lateral sliding of
the lateral frame support within the wing. The one or more tracks
can include an upper edge track, a lower edge track, at least one
center track. Each of the first and second hinges can include
lockable hinges to lock the corresponding wing in at least the
first and second orientations. Each of the first and second hinges
can include a respective hinge lock including at least one tooth
and at least one notch to accept the tooth, and a button to
disengage the hinge lock to allow the wing to swivel about an axis.
Each of the first and second hinges can be at least partially
enclosed within the housing.
In at least one embodiment, a computing device can be provided that
includes at least one processor device, at least one memory
element, a flexible display screen, a housing to house the at least
one processor device and the at least one memory element, and a
first wing to support a side portion of the display screen. The
front face of the housing can include a center portion of the
display screen. The first wing can be connected to the housing by a
hinge, the first wing configured to swivel about an axis defined by
the hinge. The hinge can be configured to lock the first wing in at
least two wing positions, a first of the wing positions supports
the side portion of the display screen in a first orientation, a
second of the wing positions supports the side portion of the
display screen in a second orientation, and the side portion of the
display screen is active in the first orientation and hidden in the
second orientation. In some examples, the flexible display screen
is a touchscreen.
In at least one embodiment, an apparatus is provided with a display
screen device that includes a flexible display screen and a
foldable frame operable to fold the flexible display screen into at
least two orientations. A first of the at least two orientations
defines a first active display screen area, a second of the at
least two orientations defines a second, smaller active display
screen area, a center portion of the display screen remains active
in each of the first and second active display screen areas, and at
least one side portion of the display screen is disabled in the
second orientation.
In one example, the foldable frame includes a central housing
supporting the center portion of the display screen, a first wing
support attached to the central housing by a first hinge and
supporting a first side portion of the display screen, and second
wing support attached to the central housing by a second hinge and
supporting a second side portion of the display screen. The first
wing support can include a plurality of tracks to enable sliding of
the first side portion of the display screen within the first wing
support, and the second wing support can also include a plurality
of tracks to enable sliding of the second side portion of the
display screen within the second wing support.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described
herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to
achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific
embodiments shown. For instance, it should be noted that the
methods described herein do not have to be executed in the order
described, or in any particular order. Moreover, various activities
described with respect to the methods identified herein can be
executed in serial or parallel fashion. This disclosure is intended
to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various
embodiments. It is to be understood that the above description has
been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one.
Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not
specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in
the art upon reviewing the above description. Thus, the scope of
various embodiments includes any other applications in which the
above compositions, structures, and methods are used.
It is emphasized that the Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to
comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that
will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the
technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it
can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single
embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive subject matter that lies in less than all
features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following
claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.
In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are
used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms
"comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Moreover, the terms
"first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and
are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their
objects.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific
to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be
understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims
is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
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